Cobb appoints new general manager for Asia, Pacific and Australasia

Poultry research and development company, Cobb, has appointed Pelayo Casanovas as general manager for Asia, the Pacific and Australasia.

His appointment came as Cobb is forging ahead with plans to start producing parent stock in China through the Hubei Tong Xing Cobb Breeding Company joint venture.

"We are pleased with our business growth throughout our Asian region," said Stan Reid, vice president of sales and marketing for Cobb.  "Since 2004 the Cobb Asia business unit has increased from 14 distributors to nearly 40. This rapid growth, combined with our aggressive expansion strategy for Asia, and in particular, China, will require an ongoing effort and strong leadership focusing on every part of the region."

The VP also commented on Casanovas' strong track record for building and directing teams in both sales and technical roles with the company, including his role in directing Cobb's expansion efforts in Russia.

Casanovas, who will be based in a new corporate office in Shanghai, China, first joined Cobb in 1999 where he spent two years in the US. Following that period, he moved back to Europe to become divisional technical manager for Western Europe and the Middle East.  In 2009, he was promoted to technical director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, with responsibility for sales as well as technical activities.